If you want a versatile, effective, and colour-safe cleaning ingredient, oxybleach is a game-changer. Sodium Percarbonate is the active ingredient in many commercial soaking powders, stain removers, dishwasher products, and whitening products.

Using the pure powder gives you the cleaning power without fillers, fragrances, or unnecessary extras.

This guide explains how it works, how to use it practically, and important safety and storage information.

How does it work

Sodium Percarbonate relies on the power of oxygen to remove stains and brighten fabrics:

• When dissolved in water, it breaks down into sodium carbonate (washing soda) and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen molecules that act as a stain remover and disinfectant.
• Oxygen oxidises organic stains, such as coffee, wine, or grass, breaking their chemical bonds and lifting them from fabrics or surfaces.
• Unlike chlorine bleach, oxybleach doesn’t fade fabrics or weaken colours, making it safe for most laundry and surfaces.

How to use percarbonate

Activation and Temperature
Sodium Percarbonate needs warm to hot water to activate it. Think about the surface you’re cleaning:

• Delicate fabrics: Use warm water
• Towels: Can tolerate hotter water
• Oven racks, sinks, tubs: Can handle boiling water

Foaming and Container Tips
When activated, it releases oxygen and bubbles. The hotter the water and the more powder you use, the more it foams and rises. Only use a small amount at a time to avoid overflow.

Soaking Times
Warm water activates slower but remains effective up to six hours. Hot or boiling water on the other hand works quickly but active for 1–2 hours

Disposal
Always discard any activated solution after use. Store Sodium Percarbonate only in its dry powder form.

Important safety and storage

* Keep out of reach of children and pets, it is dangerous if ingested
* Avoid inhaling the powder or contact with eyes/mouth
* Store in a cool, dry, airtight container away from moisture and light, glass jars with lids are ideal

Pure percarbonate vs commercial oxybleach powders

Commercial powders like OxyBoost often contain Sodium Percarbonate as the active ingredient but may also include fillers, surfactants and enzymes.

Pure Sodium Percarbonate contains only the active oxygen compound.